Lightning Strike at Pocono NASCAR Race Kills 1 Fan, Injures 9 Others

A lightning strike in a parking lot outside a NASCAR race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday killed one fan and injured nine others, race officials said.

Two people were taken to area hospitals in critical condition immediately after the strike near the Long Pond, Pa. facility, officials said. Track president Brandon Igdalsky later notified the media that one of the critically injured persons died at Pocono Medical Center.

The incident happened after race officials called the Pennsylvania 400 due to rain and storms. Drivers completed just 98 of the 160 laps scheduled for the race when the decision was made to shorten the event and declare Jeff Gordon the winner. Track officials said they ordered public address announcements made prior to the storm directing the crowd of an estimated 85,000 fans to evacuate the stands and take shelter.

Track officials have not said if the injuries were a result of a single lightning strike or multiple incidents.